Living in a bilingual country like Canada can be both exciting and challenging, especially if French isn’t your first language. But fear not—Remitly is here to help with a brand new guide of essential French phrases for daily life, plus tips to sound more Québécois in no time.
No matter what French-speaking region you’ve settled in, our guide of easy-to-remember French phrases will help you confidently navigate conversations as you settle into daily life. Shop, dine, travel, and socialize more easily—and maybe even get mistaken for a local!
Why learning French matters in Canada
Don’t be fooled—French isn’t spoken only in Québec. Its usage spans across provinces and territories, with more than 8 million French speakers in the country today. Although English is also an official language of Canada, French remains the dominant language in the province of Quebec and is widely used in parts of New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Everyday benefits of speaking French
Knowing French isn’t just about official communication; it can help open doors to careers and friendships. Whether you’re ordering lunch in Montréal, asking for directions in Gatineau, or chatting with a neighbor in Moncton, learning a few key French phrases can help you communicate more clearly. Plus, it will go a long way in making a positive impression in your new community and building friendships with local French speakers.
No matter where I’ve lived, I always attempt to speak the language at hand. Many people will hear my accent (I can never get the r sound right in French, unfortunately, and always sound like I’m gargling) and switch over to English, but most genuinely appreciate that I am trying to speak their language.
I also tend to return to local shops and cafes, growing more confident in my skills each time. The staff get to know me and encourage my learning. It takes time and consistent practice, but the effort really pays off.
Cultural tip: politeness
No matter where you go, being polite is important. When greeting people on the street, on public transport or in a shop, always start with bonjour or bonsoir (after 6 p.m.), especially when asking for help. And don’t forget to say s’il vous plaît (please) and merci (thank you).
French, like many Latin languages, has two words for “you,” depending on who you’re addressing. French Canadians tend to be more informal, using the familiar tu in most situations instead of the formal vous. Still, it’s safest to start with vous when speaking to strangers or elders, and in professional settings. It’s common to switch to tu with friends, close acquaintances, or those who have begun speaking more informally with you. If in doubt, follow the other person’s lead.
Grocery shopping made easy
One of the first places you’ll undoubtedly seek out: the supermarket or corner shop—le dépanneur in French. A new city and a new home call for provisions.
While things will mostly look the same, knowing some phrases will help you avoid wandering the aisles for 20 minutes or walking around with your head down looking for words on your phone.
Basic French for grocery shopping
- Où se trouve [product]?– Where can I find [product]?
- Combien ça coûte? – How much does it cost?
- Je voudrais payer par carte. – I would like to pay by card.
- Avez-vous ceci en format plus petit? – Do you have this in a smaller size?
- Je cherche le rayon des produits laitiers. – I’m looking for the dairy section.
These phrases will help you find what you need, whether it be les œufs (eggs), le pain (bread), le lait (milk), or les pommes (apples, not to be confused with pommes de terre, which are potatoes).
Tips for measurements and packaging
In French-speaking areas, you’ll also notice some small but important differences in measuring. Weight is measured in grammes and kilogrammes, and liquids are measured in litres.
Une douzaine means a dozen, but you may also see paquets de six (packs of six) or format familial (family size).
Getting around: navigating public transportation
Google Maps can be helpful, but it’s also known for leading people down the wrong streets and to incorrect locations. When moving to a new city, figuring out buses and metros will help you get to know your new home easily and efficiently.
Public transit in French-speaking regions, like the Metro in Montréal, is straightforward, especially when you know phrases to ask for directions, schedules, and connections.
Simple French for transportation
- Quelle ligne faut-il prendre pour aller à [destination]? – Which line should I take to get to [destination]?
- C’est loin d’ici? – Is it far from here?
- Est-ce que ce bus va à [location]? – Does this bus go to [location]?
- Où est la gare/la gare de bus? – Where is the train/bus station?
- À quelle heure part le prochain train? – What time does the next train leave?
- Où acheter un titre de transport? – Where do I buy a metro pass?
Dining out: ordering like a local
If you’re a foodie in Montréal or Québec, you’ll be happy to know there are wonderful places to dine and a wide variety of cuisine. In fact, there are a number of tours centered around gastronomy, where you can eat the best bagels, ice cream, and of course, the local classic, poutine.
Essential French restaurant phrases
These French phrases for eating out will create a smooth dining experience no matter where you are:
- Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît. – I would like a coffee, please.
- Avez-vous des recommandations? – Do you have any recommendations?
- La facture, s’il vous plaît. – The bill, please.
- Je suis allergique à… – I am allergic to…
- Sans sucre, s’il vous plaît. – Without sugar, please.
- Quel type de lait avez-vous? – What kind of milk do you have?
- Je suis végétarien(ne)/végan(e). – I’m vegetarian/vegan.
Ordering like a local
In Québec, you may hear slightly different expressions like un p’tit café instead of un café. Listening for these local expressions and applying them will help you blend in and understand native speakers more easily.
You might even say, “J’aimerais un p’tit café,” instead of the more formal, “Je voudrais un café.”
Simple French expressions for social connections
Small talk can be useful when joining international meetups or meeting your neighbors, even if you switch to English after a while.
Remember, it’s all about practice, and nothing happens overnight!
Apps and classes will help you become more fluent, but sometimes it’s best to jump right in—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple greetings and polite exchanges are often all you need to start a conversation.
Making introductions and small talk in French
- Enchanté(e) – Nice to meet you.
- Enchanté(e) de faire votre connaissance. – I’m pleased to meet you (more formal).
- Comment ça va? – How are you?
- Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît? – Can you repeat that, please?
- Je viens de [country]. – I’m from [country].
- Je ne parle pas très bien français. – I do not speak French very well.
- Je viens d’emménager. – I just moved here.
What to say in an emergency or when you need help
No one wants to find themselves in an emergency situation, but it’s always best to be prepared. Thankfully, the emergency number in Canada and the US is the same and easy to remember: 9-1-1. While emergency services speak both French and English, the following phrases are useful to know if you find yourself needing help.
French phrases for emergencies
- Applez un ambulance, s’il vous plaît! – Call an ambulance, please!
- Où est [la pharmacie/l’hôpital] la plus proche? – Where is the nearest pharmacy/hospital?
- J’ai une réaction allergique. – I’m having an allergic reaction.
- J’ai besoin de la police. – I need the police.
- Applez la police! – Call the police!
- J’ai été blessé(e). – I’ve been hurt.
- Je dois voir un médecin. – I need to see a doctor.
- Je suis perdu(e). Pouvez-vous m’aider? – I’m lost. Can you help me?
Staying calm in difficult situations
If you’re unsure of a word, don’t panic—speaking slowly and clearly is often enough for the other person to understand you. Take deep breaths and don’t forget that Canadians will switch to English if they see you’re struggling, especially in an emergency situation.
Sounding natural: French pronunciation and cultural tips
If you’ve been to France, you’ll notice distinct differences from Canadian French. Not only do the dialect and vocabulary vary, but pronunciation has evolved quite a lot through the centuries. It may take some time to get a handle on the differences if you’re used to European French. But don’t worry, you’ll still understand the gist.
French pronunciation can be tricky for English speakers, particularly in Québec, so here are some things to keep in mind:
- The r sound is produced in the throat, not the tongue.
- Vowels tend to be more nasal.
- Consonants like d or t followed by a vowel tend to take on an s or z sound, making mardi (Tuesday) sound like “marzdi,” and words like fatigué(e) (tired) become “fatsigué(e).”
Cultural nuances to keep in mind
In French-speaking Canada, small gestures matter, like saying bonjour and maintaining a polite tone. But it’s also good to remember that while French from France will get you by, there are differences that might get you the odd look here and there.
Grasping the vocabulary of your area will help you sound more like a local and connect you with the community. The linguistic differences are what make the language and culture so rich, with lots of vocabulary influenced by English and Indigenous languages.
French-speaking areas of Canada are proud of their language and culture, and though France has much to offer, making comparisons between the two can make it harder for you to settle in.
C’est en forgeant que l’on devient forgeron (practice makes perfect)!
Personally, learning new languages has enriched my life tenfold. I’ll never stop encouraging others to take a chance and expand their minds. It can lead you toward the adventure of a lifetime.
Learning these essential French phrases for daily life can boost your confidence as you explore your new Canadian city, helping you achieve fluency, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Whether navigating the metro in Montréal or introducing yourself to a new neighbor in Manitoba, a few key phrases can open many doors.
Commit to practicing a handful of the phrases in this guide daily, and you’ll quickly see your confidence grow. Language learning doesn’t have to be expensive either. Use free apps, join local conversation groups, and watch French TV or YouTube channels to immerse yourself.
If you’re ready to go deeper, check out some of our other resources to help you improve your French and start building the skills that will make your new life in Canada even more rewarding.
Bon courage!
FAQ
Why do I need to learn French in Canada if I already speak English?
Although both English and French are official languages of Canada, you’ll often find that French is the dominant language in many areas. Spoken by over 8 million people, it may be easier to communicate in French in Québec or Montréal, helping you adapt more easily to your new environment.
What’s the quickest way to learn French phrases?
Using apps and studying daily are great, and memorizing some easy everyday phrases will boost your confidence and determination.
How do I politely ask someone to repeat something in French?
If you didn’t quite catch what the person said, simply say, “Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?“